Lower Ab Workouts You Can Do At Home

If your schedule is as demanding as most people's are these days, you probably don't have much time to go to the gym for lower ab workouts. Still, most of us long to have those chiseled stomachs that look so great on the beach or in your everyday clothes. Slender waist and flat stomach are the most important characteristic that defines a fit body. Luckily, there are lower ab workouts that you can do at home that is as effective as those you can do at the gym.

First of all, you have to look at the overall approach needed to get you a firm, flat stomach. Lower ab workouts alone aren't enough to get you the shape you long for. Proper nutrition with all the protein, antioxidants, and fiber needed for a healthy digestive tract and the immune system play an important role as well. Consistent aerobic exercises are also needed to keep your circulatory system strong.

It is important to understand that lower ab workouts are not meant to get rid of excess fat in your abdominal region and it will not replace the fat with muscle. Weight loss has to come first before toning and definition can be attained. The best lower ab workouts are those that include each of these aspects and focus on overall fitness of your body.

Your abdominal is part of your "core", which includes all of the muscles in your trunk and pelvis area. When you do exercises for your core, you strengthen all the muscles in a way that keeps them working together. These are the muscles that you need in order to perform exercises as well as normal daily activities. Lower ab workouts that focus on strengthening all of the core muscles will make you stronger and help prevent you from getting injuries during your workouts.

One of the best types of lower ab workouts you can do at home are by using a stability ball. This is not only a good way to exercise your core muscles, but it also requires little financial investment for equipment. Many traditional exercises can be performed on a stability ball, causing less stress on your back and neck muscles and also causing you to engage other muscles to balance the ball while you work out.

Some example of what you can do with a stability ball:

Pelvic Tucks
Sit on the ball with your feet about hip-width apart on the floor in front of you. Roll the ball forward, pressing your heels into the floor while you "tuck" in your pelvis. Roll back to starting. Do in sets of 12.

Waistline Chops
Roll out on the ball until your belly button is centered over the ball. Bring your hands together over your head. "Chop" to the left side by rising up gradually on the ball. Then chop to the right. This works the obliques that give you a trim waist. Do these in sets of twelve, left and right.

Crunches
Crunches will not give you great abs all by themselves, but they are still an important part of many lower ab workouts. Using the stability ball to do them will allow you more range of motion. Start with your belly button centered over the ball and hands behind your head. Keep elbows out as you lift up from the ball. Strive for slow, controlled movements instead of doing more reps.

Remember, attaining that toned and defined body requires the consistent workout, as well as a balanced nutrition eating habit!